This book examines the adaptation of Buddhism to the Australian sociocultural context. To gain insight into this process of cross-cultural adaptation, issues arising in the development of Diamond Sangha Zen Buddhist groups (one of the largest Zen lineages in the West) in Australia are contextualised within the broader framework of the adaptations of Buddhist teachings and practices in other Westernised countries. The book also examines the methodological approaches currently used for studying this process and suggests a synthesis of the approaches used for studying convert and ethnic Buddhist groups.

Contents:
Acknowledgements List of Abbreviations Glossary of Terms Introductions Part 1: Australian Buddhism in Context The Origins of Buddhism Japanese Zen Buddhism Buddhism in the West Japanese Zen in the West Buddhism in Australia Japanese Zen in Australia Part 2: Australian Buddhism in Transition Practical Expressions Sociological Expressions Ideological Expressions Characteristics of Western Buddhism Part 3: Models of Change Issues in Adaptation Theories of Change Breaking Down the Boundaries Appendix A: Japanese Zen Buddhist Groups in Australia Appendix B: Diamond Sangha Affiliates World-wide Appendix C: Agreements Concerning the Structure and Function of the Diamond Sangha Endnotes Bibliography Index